Top 3 News Stories in eCommerce (May 5, 2025)

Here are three of the top news stories currently impacting the eCommerce landscape:

1. EU Intensifies Scrutiny on Large Tech Platforms Under the Digital Markets Act (DMA):

The European Union continues its strong enforcement of the Digital Markets Act, with recent fines levied against major tech players like Apple and Meta. Apple was fined a substantial €500 million for allegedly restricting app developers from linking out to their own payment systems outside the App Store. Meta received a €200 million penalty related to its ad-free subscription model, which regulators argue could unfairly disadvantage competitors. These actions signal the EU’s commitment to fostering a more competitive digital environment and have significant implications for how large platforms operate within the European market. Businesses selling through these platforms will need to stay informed about evolving regulations and potential changes to platform policies as a result of DMA enforcement.

2. China Addresses Merchant Refund Policies on eCommerce Platforms:

The Chinese government has reportedly intervened in the automatic refund policies of major eCommerce platforms like Temu, JD.com, and Alibaba. By July 2025, these platforms are expected to cease automatically issuing refunds to customers without requiring product returns. Instead, only merchants will have the authority to initiate refunds. This shift could impact consumer trust and return rates for sellers on these platforms. Merchants will likely need to adapt their customer service and return processes to align with these new guidelines, potentially leading to increased communication and negotiation with customers regarding returns and refunds.

3. AI Continues to Integrate Deeper into eCommerce Operations:

The trend of artificial intelligence permeating various aspects of eCommerce continues to accelerate. Recent developments include Wix introducing an AI-powered adaptive content application that personalizes content for website visitors based on various factors like device type, location, and browsing history. Additionally, Amazon is testing an AI-powered “Interests” feature aimed at helping customers discover products more effectively within its vast marketplace. These advancements highlight the growing importance of AI in enhancing customer experience, personalizing marketing efforts, and optimizing product discovery for online retailers. Businesses are increasingly exploring and implementing AI solutions to gain a competitive edge and cater to evolving consumer expectations for personalized and efficient online shopping experiences.